A little set back

Today is Day #20.
I went to my Cardiologist this morning.
He did an EKG and found that my heart is a little out of rhythm.
I have been taking medication to control the rate, but less and less each week.
He put me back on a stronger dose for a coupe days, and may have to "shock" it back into proper rhythm.

Other than that, I feel pretty good.
I continue to walk each day (with Sue).
I lost about 13 pounds.

I'm also repairing some electronic equipment, related to my work (Densitometers), and
I'm taking an on-line course regarding Color Managment.
I have completed 6 out of 18 lessons.
Both are good therapy.

Ed

Lunch at Wikoff

I stopped in at Wikoff's home office today and had lunch with our Technical Services Group
(guys I work with, from all over the country).
At the same time, I saw and thanked many people for their support and well wishes.
After only 15 days, it lifted my spirits to see everyone.
It will probably be another 3 weeks before I can return to work.

I told them (since I'm not allowed to drink alcohol) that Budweiser sent me a card
saying..... "Get well soon, We miss the revenue".

Ed

WALKING

The Doctor said I must Walk, so...
my Father-in-law stopped by,  put me in his car (I'm not allowed to drive),  drove me to the Golf Course,  handed me a Putter & some balls, and said
"Go take a walk on the putting green".

As I said before, I feel great. Can't believe the progress I'm making (I am 'walking').
I went to church today to give thanks.
Can you believe it? 12 days ago they split my breastbone down the middle, Stopped my heart for over an hour while they did Open Heart Surgery and ....
I only missed ONE SUNDAY of church.

Must be because my Doctor is very High Tech.  He has a 52" HD TV AND an I-Pad! - Impressive.
Ed

Day 9

First Doctor visit since hospital (Primary Physician).
He checked-me-out to make sure all is going well, and said....
 "I'm the 'Poster Boy' for a successful Open Heart Surgery".

My Mom from Pittsburgh, who has been visiting, left yesterday.
No, she didn't go home, she went to Florida for about a Month.
Just left me here to fend for myself.
Actually, now that she knows I'm 'OK', she'll be able to enjoy the remainder of her travels.
She's an Angel. Sue and I appreciated her help and support.

The only problem I have is.....
Last Night our sewer backed-up. Totally clogged.
The good news is, today they found the problem on the CITY SIDE.... THEY PAY !!!

That's all for now.
Ed

End of First Week

Well, today is Tuesday.  It's been a full week now.
I'm still here and getting better.
I feel a little sore and tired, but am quite thankful to be in this position.

Others I know, are not so lucky.

I've been taking short walks outside, and
Sue, my Mom and I ate out (lunch) today.

Let me end by saying:
"it's good to have so many well wishers and friends to pray for you and prop you up when needed. The biggest of those.... Susan, my loveable wife.
I don't know what I'd do without her.
Thanks",
Ed

I'm Home

I came home today around 2:30 PM, and I'm so thankful for my fast recovery.
It surpised everyone inculding me. It has to be close to a record (Open Heart surgery and home in 4 days??).
It was all the prayers and well wishes that did it - I'm sure.

I'm somewhat sore & tired, but Sue and my Mom are taking good care of me.
As I said before, the operation could not have come-out better:
1. My Mitral Valve is 100% fixed (No leaks).
2. My irregular heart beat is now 100% perfect, and
3. My "appendage" ('Pouch' that can cause clots) is now taken care of.

I had some incentive to get better and come home - The hospital food was terrible.

Thanks again, for your support and encourgement.
Ed

Unbelievable progress

Ed's recovery is going better than expected.  He may be home tomorrow.

Thanks for all of your well wishes.

No longer in ICU

Ed's recovery is remarkable.  All of the tubes, IVs, etc are removed.  He left ICU and is in a private room.  The nurses are managing the pain from the "broken" breastbone.    At the rate he is improving, he should be home soon.

Frankenstein scar 2/10/11

Ed - 48 hours after surgery



What a difference a day makes!

What a pleasant surprise to find Ed sitting up in a chair when I arrived this morning!  He looked great.  If it wasn't for the telltale IV wires and oxygen nose tube, you would never have know that the doctors stopped his heart for an hour and fifteen minutes yesterday and kept him alive on a heart and lung machine.

Ed is in great spirits and thankful that the operation went so well.  The nurse removed the oxygen tube around 5 PM.  Hopefully, he will be moved to a regular room some time tomorrow.  So far his pain level hasn't been too bad.  The main pain is where they sawed his breast bone in half and separated him like a lobster (Barbara Walters explanation of the procedure, not mine).  He wasn't thrilled with the meals - broth and Jell-O aren't on his list of favorite foods.

Yesterday, I had our address on the blog.  I forgot our zip code.  The complete address is 1111 Baldwin Lane, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

Please check the blog periodically.  I'll try to post the highlights of each day, but I don't plan to send emails announcing every new blog.

Thanks for all of yor well wishes, thoughts, and prayers. 

Sue

SUCCESS!!

Ed's surgery went well.  The doctor was able to repair the mitral valve which is what we were hoping he would be able to do.  They also did some electrical shock to try to get Ed's heart rhythm back on track.  It seemed to do the trick, but it will be a while before we know if his heart will continue that rhythm.

The nurses were able to remove the breathing tube around 6 PM.  Ed was alert and able to talk.  Managing pain is a major issue now that the anesthesia is wearing off.  Ed told the nurses his pain was 7 out of 10.  They medicated him accordingly.

Ed will be in ICU tonight and tomorrow night which is standard procedure.  Hopefully, he will be moved to a room on Thursday.

Thanks so much for all of your thoughts and prayers.  We really appreciate your concern.

Our home address is 1111 Baldwin Lane, Waxhaw, NC if you want to send a card.